Spirit Airlines Passenger Tracks Missing Luggage with Apple Watch

Paola Garcia, a Spirit Airlines passenger, found herself in a baffling situation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Waiting at Carousel 4 inside Terminal 4, she anxiously anticipated her hardshell pink suitcase, containing valuable Apple products like her personal MacBook and two Apple Watches. However, as other travelers retrieved their bags, hers was conspicuously absent from the conveyor belt.

Despite reassurances from Spirit Airlines employees that her luggage would be sent to her house, Garcia’s concern grew. The following day, her Apple Watch emitted a ping, indicating the presence of her belongings—not at the airport, but at a residence 15 minutes away in Fort Lauderdale.

Driven by determination, Garcia visited the home and made a shocking discovery: her suitcase and possessions were in the possession of Junior Bazile, an employee of Paradies Shops at the airport. Bazile, identified as the suspect, had allegedly taken Garcia’s belongings from her luggage.

Garcia promptly contacted law enforcement, and upon arrival, the police questioned the situation. Subsequent investigation revealed Bazile’s involvement in the incident, with evidence including images of him rummaging through Garcia’s suitcase at the airport store.

The accused may be sentenced to five to thirty years in jail and fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 if found guilty of grand theft.Garcia’s suitcase was verified to have been stolen, but Spirit Airlines paid her back as a “courtesy,” according to a statement the airline made.

“Even though we do not currently have any evidence that any Spirit employees were involved, we still sent the guest a reimbursement check out of courtesy,” the airline said to the site. “We are looking into any allegation of this kind and we take it seriously.”